Method and Device for Unclogging a Drain Assembly

ABSTRACT

A method and device for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight, watertight seal in the drain assembly. An overflow cover device functions to form a complete seal in the drain assembly, such that no air and water pressure is lost throughout the drain assembly while a plunging device creates pressure and a vacuum over a drain opening. The water pressure generated by the plunging device is maximized to remove a clog in the drain assembly. The overflow cover device includes a front surface, and a mounting surface. The mounting surface includes a cover seal on the peripheral edge for inhibiting the escape of air and water. The mounting surface engages the overflow opening, and secures into place through machine screws that pass through one or two holes in the overflow cover device.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a method and device for unclogging plumbing fixtures. More so, the method and device for unclogging plumbing fixtures forms a complete seal in an entire drain assembly such that no pressure is lost, but rather fully utilized to remove a clog in the drain assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that plumbing is the system of pipes, drains fittings, valves, valve assemblies, and devices installed in a building for the distribution of water for drinking, heating, washing, and the removal of waterborne wastes.

Typically, a bathtub is a large container for holding water in which a person may bathe. Most modern bathtubs are made of acrylic or fiberglass, but alternatives are available in enamel over steel or cast iron, and occasionally waterproof finished wood. A bathtub is usually placed in a bathroom either as a stand-alone fixture or in conjunction with a shower.

In all instances, bathtubs have overflow and waste drains and may have taps mounted on them. A drain is the primary vessel for unwanted water to be flumed away, either to a more useful area, funneled into a receptacle, or run into the sewers as waste. Plunging the drain open is impossible with the overflow plate attached to the drain assembly. Any water surge or pressure that is needed to break apart a blockage is hindered because the surge and pressure is released through the drainage openings in the overflow plate. An overflow opening is in fluid communication with the drain opening. The overflow opening is located on a vertical wall of the bathtub and permits water to flow out to the drain in order to prevent the bathtub from overflowing if the water level in the bathtub rises above the rim of the bathtub.

Often, creating a seal in the drain assembly includes removing the overflow plate and any linkage that is usually attached to the overflow plate. A rolled up, wet rag is forced into the overflow riser tube for creating a seal throughout the drain assembly. This is done so as to inhibit the air and water pressure created with the plunger from escaping.

In many instances, the wet rag method doesn't account for numerous disadvantages. For example, without limitation, not only does the wet rag not provide a full water and air seal, the person doing the plunging has to hold the wet rag with one hand so as to prevent that rag from either blowing out of the overflow riser tube, or, being sucked down the tube and into the drain tee. When this latter occurrence happens, it sometimes means cutting into walls or ceilings, and dismantling the drain assembly. In yet another drawback to this method is that there is an inherent risk of breaking the rubber slip joint washers on the drain tee, which are used on the slip joint fittings connecting the overflow riser tube, and the drain boot, to the drain tee.

Even though the above cited methods for cutting and sealing a fabric address some of the needs of the market, a method and device for cutting and sealing a fabric to form at least one fused edge, including a left and right edge of a shade fabric is still desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a method and device for unclogging a drain assembly by forming a complete seal in a drain assembly such that no pressure is lost, but rather, the pressure is fully utilized to remove a clog in the drain assembly. The device comprises an overflow cover device disposed to position onto an overflow opening. The overflow cover device forms a complete seal on the overflow opening to inhibit the escape of water from a drain assembly. In this manner, pressure or a vacuum produced by a plunging device on a drain opening, is not lost through the overflow opening, but rather fully directed towards a clog in the drain assembly.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that bathtubs have a drain opening at the bottom for draining out water. The drain opening is located on a ground surface of the bathtub. In some embodiments, a plunging device, comprising a rubber cup, is pushed down against the drain opening, and either pressed hard into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a water surge. An overflow opening is in fluid communication with the drain opening. The overflow opening is located on a vertical wall of the bathtub and permits water to flow out to the drain in order to prevent the bathtub from overflowing if the water level in the bathtub rises above the rim of the bathtub. In some embodiments, the overflow cover device restricts the loss of air and water from the overflow opening by forming a complete seal. The water pressure consequently maximized by fully being transferred upon the clog in the drain assembly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow cover device comprises a substantially circular plate sized and dimensioned to cover industry standard overflow openings. The overflow cover device comprises a front surface that is visible when attached onto the overflow opening. The overflow cover device further comprises a mounting surface that engages the overflow opening, pressing flush against an overflow receiving fitting. The mounting surface includes a cover seal on the perimeter of the mounting surface. The cover seal serves to inhibit the escape of water from the overflow opening. In this manner, water pressure generated by the plunging device on the drainage opening is fully directed upon the clog. The overflow cover device may further include at least one aperture configured to align with at least one overflow aperture. At least one fastener, such as a machine screw, passes through both apertures for mounting the overflow cover device over the overflow opening. At least one fastener helps press the cover seal flush against the overflow opening on the bathtub sidewall.

A method of the present invention is also presented for unclogging a drain assembly. The method in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described system. In one embodiment, the method includes an initial Step of removing an overflow plate from the overflow opening. The overflow plate may include one or two plate apertures where at least one fastener passes through for securing the overflow plate to the overflow opening. Each fastener may be unscrewed, whereby the overflow plate detaches from the overflow receiver fitting.

The method may then proceed to a next Step of attaching the overflow cover device to the overflow opening to replace the overflow plate. The overflow cover device is sized and dimensioned to substantially resemble the replaced overflow plate. The overflow cover device includes at least one aperture that aligns with at least one overflow aperture on the overflow receiver fitting. At least one fastener passes through both sets of apertures to secure the overflow cover device to the overflow opening. Consequently, the cover seal presses flush against the overflow opening.

A next Step includes forming a seal in the drain assembly. The cover seal serves to inhibit the escape of water pressure from the overflow opening; thereby forming a complete seal within the drain assembly when used in conjunction with a plunging device. In this manner, water pressure or a vacuum produced by a plunging device on a drain opening, is not lost through the overflow opening, but rather fully directed towards a clog in the drain assembly.

A next Step comprises creating water surge pressure and a vacuum throughout the drain assembly. A plunging device, comprising a rubber cup, is pushed down against the drain opening, and either pressed hard into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a vacuum. An overflow opening is in fluid communication with the drain opening. The overflow cover device restricts the loss of water pressure from the overflow opening by forming a complete seal. The water pressure is consequently maximized by fully transferring towards the clog in the drain assembly.

A final Step comprises unclogging the drain assembly. The drain assembly comprises a series of tubes and junctions that carry water and debris away from the bathtub. The overflow opening and the drain opening are in fluid communication with each other through an overflow riser tube. A drain tube caries the fluid from this junction to a drum trap, where the clog is often stuck, and finally out a drainage discharge tube. The water pressure generated by the plunging device forces water through the drain assembly to the drainage discharge tube, or creates a vacuum to pull the water back, thus creating a “surging action.” This agitation works to release the clog from the drain assembly.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for sealing an overflow opening to form an airtight and watertight seal in a drain assembly comprising:

removing an overflow plate from an overflow opening;

attaching an overflow cover device to the overflow opening;

forming a seal on the overflow opening;

creating water pressure and a vacuum in the drain assembly; and

unclogging the drain assembly.

In a second aspect, the overflow cover device is configured to fit on standard industry overflow receiver fittings, because the at least one aperture is standardized throughout the industry at 1⅞″ center to center on the two aperture overflow cover device, or a single center aperture.

In another aspect, the at least one fastener is an industry standard ¼″ machine screw that interchangeably fits in the at least one overflow aperture for attaching the overflow plate, and the at least one aperture for attaching the overflow cover device to the overflow opening.

In yet another aspect, the overflow cover device eliminates the need to pull the overflow receiver fitting and the overflow riser tube from their positions, since the overflow cover device simply attaches in place of the overflow plate, thereby eliminating the risk of dislodging the rubber gasket on the backside of the tub.

In another aspect, in operation, the overflow plate is removed from the overflow opening. Either one or two overflow apertures align with the bathtub apertures, and ¼″ stainless steel machine screws are unscrewed to remove the overflow plate from the overflow opening. After the overflow plate detaches, the overflow cover device is aligned onto the overflow opening, whereby the at least one aperture aligns with the bathtub aperture. The cover seal positions flush against the overflow opening. The cover seal is sized and dimensioned to fit along a peripheral portion of the overflow opening. The seal is airtight and watertight, whereby the complete drain assembly is sealed when a plunging device covers the drain opening. In some embodiments, the plunging device pushes down against the drain opening, and either presses hard into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a vacuum, or water surge. The forced water serves to unclog the drain assembly.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary drain assembly with an exemplary clog, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate various views of an exemplary overflow cover device, where 2A illustrates an exemplary front surface with one aperture, FIG. 2B illustrates a side view, and FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C illustrate various views of an exemplary overflow cover device, where 3A illustrates an exemplary front surface with two apertures, FIG. 3B illustrates a side view, and FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary mounting surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart diagram of an exemplary method for unclogging a drain assembly by creating a seal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1-3. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device is utilized for unclogging a drain assembly 100, as referenced in FIG. 1. The present invention comprises an overflow cover device 200 that functions to form a complete seal in the drain assembly 100, such that no air and water pressure is lost throughout the drain assembly 100 while a plunging device 108 creates pressure and a vacuum over a drain opening 106. The water pressure generated by the plunging device 108 is maximized to remove a clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.

In some embodiments, the overflow cover device 200 is disposed to position onto an overflow opening 102. The overflow cover device 200 forms a complete seal on the overflow opening 102 to inhibit the escape of air and water from the drain assembly 100. In this manner, water pressure or a water surge produced by a plunging device 108 on a drain opening 106, is not lost through the overflow opening 102, but rather fully directed towards a clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.

In one embodiment, the overflow cover device 200 comprises a diameter of 3¾″. The overflow cover device 200 further comprises a ⅛″ thick aluminum plate. The overflow cover device 200 may also comprise a 5/16″ chamfered at least one aperture 208 for alignment with at least one overflow aperture, whereby at least one fastener, such as a ¼″ stainless steel machine screw, passes through both sets of apertures to secure the overflow cover device 200 to the overflow opening 102. (FIGS. 2 and 3) However, in other embodiments, larger or smaller dimensions may be utilized depending on the size of the overflow opening 102.

Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that bathtubs have a drain opening 106 at the bottom for draining out water. The drain opening 106 is located on a ground surface of the bathtub. In some embodiments, a plunging device 108, comprising a rubber cup, is pushed down against the drain opening 106, and either pressed hard into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a surging action. An overflow opening 102 is in fluid communication with the drain opening 106 through an overflow riser tube 110. The overflow opening 102 is located on a vertical wall of the bathtub and permits water to flow out to the drain in order to prevent the bathtub from overflowing if the water level in the bathtub rises above the rim of the bathtub. In some embodiments, the overflow cover device 200 restricts the loss of air and water from the overflow opening 102 by forming a complete seal. The water pressure is consequently maximized by fully being transferred to the clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the overflow cover device 200 comprises a substantially circular plate sized and dimensioned to cover an industry standard overflow opening 102. However, in other embodiments, the overflow cover device 200 may include, without limitation, a square shape, a rectangular shape, and a triangle shape, depending on a correlating shape of the overflow opening 102. The overflow cover device 200 comprises a front surface 202 that is visible when attached onto the overflow opening 102. The overflow cover device 200 further comprises a mounting surface 204 that engages the overflow opening 102, pressing flush against an overflow receiving fitting. The mounting surface 204 includes a cover seal 206 on the perimeter of the mounting surface 204. The cover seal 206 serves to inhibit the escape of air and water from the overflow opening 102. In this manner, water pressure generated by the plunging device 108 on the drainage opening is fully directed towards the clog 118. Suitable materials for the cover seal 206 may include, without limitation, 30 Durometer neoprene rubber, foam, cork, and synthetic polymers.

The overflow cover device 200 may further include at least one aperture 208 configured to align with at least one overflow aperture. At least one fastener, such as a machine screw, passes through both apertures for mounting the overflow cover device 200 over the overflow opening 102. The at least one fastener helps press the cover seal 206 flush against the overflow opening 102 on the bathtub sidewall.

FIG. 4 depicts a method 400 for unclogging a drain assembly 100 by creating a seal throughout the drain assembly 100. The method 400 in the disclosed embodiments substantially includes the steps necessary to carry out the functions presented above with respect to the operation of the described overflow cover device 200. In one embodiment, the method 400 includes an initial Step 402 of removing an overflow plate 104 from the overflow opening 102. The overflow plate 104 may include one or two plate apertures where at least one fastener passes through for securing the overflow plate 104 to the overflow opening 102. Each fastener may be unscrewed , whereby the overflow plate 104 detaches from the overflow receiver fitting.

The method may then proceed to a next Step 404 of attaching the overflow cover device 200 to the overflow opening 102 to replace the overflow plate 104. The overflow cover device 200 is sized and dimensioned to substantially resemble the replaced overflow plate 104. The overflow cover device 200 includes at least one aperture 208 that aligns with at least one overflow aperture on the overflow receiver fitting. At least one fastener passes through both sets of apertures to secure the overflow cover device 200 to the overflow opening 102. Consequently, the cover seal 206 presses flush against the overflow opening 102.

A next Step 406 includes forming a seal in the drain assembly 100. The cover seal 206 serves to inhibit the escape of air and water from the overflow opening 102; thereby forming a complete seal within the drain assembly 100 when used in conjunction with the plunging device 108. In this manner, water pressure or a water surge produced by the plunging device 108 on the drain opening 106, is not lost through the overflow opening 102, but rather fully directed towards the clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.

A next Step 408 comprises creating water pressure and a water surge throughout the drain assembly 100. A plunging device 108, comprising a rubber cup, is pushed down against the drain opening 106, and either pressed hard into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a vacuum, thereby creating a surging action. An overflow opening 102 is in fluid communication with the drain opening 106. The overflow cover device 200 restricts the loss of air and water from the overflow opening 102 by forming a complete seal. The water pressure is consequently maximized by fully being transferred to the clog 118 in the drain assembly 100.

A final Step 410 comprises unclogging the drain assembly 100. The drain assembly 100 comprises a series of tubes and junctions that carry water and debris away from the bathtub. The overflow opening 102 and the drain opening 106 are in fluid communication with each other through an overflow riser tube 110. A drain tube 112 carries the fluid from this junction to a drum trap 114, where the clog 118 is often stuck, and finally out a drainage discharge tube 116. The water pressure generated by the plunging device forces water pressure through the drain assembly 100 to the drainage discharge tube 116, or creates a vacuum to pull the water back. This agitation and washing action works to release the clog 118 from the drain assembly 100.

In operation, the overflow plate 104 is initially removed from the overflow opening 102 to be replaced by the overflow cover device 200. Either one or two overflow apertures align with the bathtub apertures, and ¼″ stainless steel machine screws are unscrewed to remove the overflow plate 104 from the overflow opening 102. After the overflow plate 104 detaches, the overflow cover device 200 is aligned onto the overflow opening 102, whereby the at least one aperture 208 aligns with the bathtub aperture. The cover seal 206 positions flush against the overflow opening 102. The cover seal 206 is sized and dimensioned to fit along a peripheral portion of the overflow opening 102. The cover seal 206 forms a seal that is airtight and watertight, whereby the complete drain assembly 100 is sealed when the plunging device 108 covers the drain opening 106. In some embodiments, the plunging device 108 pushes down against the drain opening 106, and either presses hard into the drain to force water in, or is pushed down until the rubber cup is flattened, then pulled out, causing a vacuum. The forced water pressure serves to unclog the drain assembly 100. After the clog 118 is removed, the overflow plate 104 may replace the overflow cover device 200.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

What I claim is:
 1. A device for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight and watertight seal, the device comprising: an overflow cover device, the overflow cover device being configured to cover an overflow opening for inhibiting the escape of air and water from the drain assembly, the overflow cover device comprising a front surface, the overflow cover device further comprising a mounting surface, the mounting surface being disposed to engage the overflow opening, the mounting surface comprising a cover seal, the cover seal being configured to form a seal between the mounting surface and the overflow opening, wherein a plunging device is operable to engage a drainage opening for forcing water pressure through the drain assembly and/or creating a vacuum, or water surge, though the drain assembly, wherein the overflow cover device inhibits the escape of the forced water pressure and/or vacuum pressure throughout the drain assembly.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the drain assembly comprises a plumbing system for a bathtub.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the overflow cover device comprises a substantially circular shape with a 3¾ inch diameter.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the overflow cover device comprises a metal composition.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the overflow cover device comprises at least one aperture, the at least one aperture being disposed to align with at least one overflow aperture, wherein at least one fastener is operable to pass through the at least one aperture and the at least one overflow aperture for attaching the overflow cover device to the overflow opening.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover seal is disposed to position on a peripheral portion of the mounting surface.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover seal comprises a neoprene rubber, 30 durometer gasket.
 8. A method for unclogging a drain assembly by creating an airtight and watertight seal, the method comprising: removing an overflow plate from an overflow opening; attaching an overflow cover device to the overflow opening; forming a seal on the overflow opening; creating water pressure and a vacuum pressure in the drain assembly; and unclogging the drain assembly.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the drain assembly comprises a plumbing system for a bathtub.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of attaching an overflow cover device comprises screwing at least one fastener though at least one aperture and at least one overflow aperture.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of forming a seal on the overflow opening comprises pressing the cover seal against the overflow opening.
 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of creating water pressure and vacuum pressure in the drain assembly comprises manipulating a plunging device on a drain opening.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of unclogging the drain assembly comprises forcing a clog through a drum trap and out a drainage discharge tube. 